Cruciate ligaments are crisscrossed ligaments that occur in several areas of the body including the knee, foot, fingers and neck. The most common injury is to the anterior (front) or posterior (back) cruciate ligaments in the knee.
What causes injury to cruciate ligaments?
An injury to a cruciate ligament in the knee usually occurs if The leg is locked in placed but the body is pushed forward. If the knee is twisted for example while playing sport.
Cruciate ligament injury symptoms
A click noise is usually followed by pain. The knee swells due to the blood from the torn ligament. The knee will feel very unstable when used. There should be no pain felt when the injury is at rest.
Cruciate ligament injury treatment
There are 4 actions that can be taken to help treat a torn or injured cruciate ligament.
These include:
Rest – rest the area.
Ice – Apply a cold compress to the area for 20 minutes 2-3 times per day.
Compression – Wearing a compression bandage or compression support sleeve will help minimise swelling and allow the area to heal. The bandage should be firm but not tight. Elevation – Elevate the leg (in the case of a knee) to above heart level. Continue this as much as possible for a few days. Physio needs supply a variety of knee braces suitable to help heal a torn or injured cruciate ligament.
